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Using Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring Technologies in APRN Practice
Telemedicine platforms and remote monitoring technologies have significantly impacted the practice of APRNs, improving medication adherence, therapeutic responses, and adverse effects management. These digital health solutions allow APRNs to monitor patients remotely, offer timely interventions, and enhance pharmacological care at a higher quality.

Remote Access to Medication Compliance and Therapeutic Responses

Telemedicine platforms allow APRNs to evaluate adherence through electronic medication dispensers, mobile applications, and digital pill bottles that log patients’ medication ingestion in real time. These technologies provide valuable data that enables APRNs to intervene when a patient misses a dose or departs from the prescribed regimen. Researchers have found that electronic adherence monitoring may improve medication adherence, especially in chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure. (Patel et al., 2021).

At-home monitoring devices like wearable sensors and diagnostic devices allow for assessing therapeutic responses. For example, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) give real-time blood glucose levels, enabling APRNs to adjust insulin therapy quickly. Blood pressure monitors and pulse oximeters, in a comparable way, assist APRNs in monitoring cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, which can allow for changes in pharmacological interventions based on objective data (Morris et al., 2020). As a result, APRNs can offer individualized care, limiting hospitalizations through RPM.

Alerts for Possible Adverse Drug Effects

Remote monitoring helps catch adverse drug effects. Digital health technologies (e.g., wearable electrocardiograms [ECGs] and smartwatch-based arrhythmia detection) are also capable of passively detecting medication-induced cardiac abnormalities (e.g., QT prolongation). RPM devices can also alert APRNs when physiological changes suggest adverse effects, such as changes in blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or weight. For instance,  smart scales and hydration sensors were also used to monitor patients on diuretics for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (Takahashi et al., 2022). The principle of these individuals being able to make early modifications to treatment to accommodate adverse reactions to medications ultimately ensures patient safety.

The Effect on pharmacological Interventions and APRN Practice

Telemedicine and RPM have made pharmacological treatment more efficient, including proactive treatment instead of merely reactive treatment. These technologies enable APRNs to perform virtual medication reconciliations with patients, mitigating risks associated with polypharmacy and drug interactions. In addition, telehealth meetings aid in teaching patients how to use their medication, enabling them to participate in their healthcare (Kruse et al., 2021).
Remote monitoring adds a layer of reach from an APRN practice perspective that helps us assess the complete picture of our patients from other settings. It enhances patient involvement and compliance, especially for those with physical restrictions or living in remote areas. However, we must address data security, patient privacy, and technology issues for equitable healthcare delivery (Morris et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies have revolutionized APRN practice by improving medication adherence, therapeutic monitoring,  and detecting adverse drug effects (ADEs). These technologies significantly enhance the quality of pharmacological care, enabling APRNs to provide care in a timely and efficacious way while promoting patient-centered health care. As the digital health arena continues to unfold, APRNs should allow themselves to evolve towards a more well-evolved stance by advocating for integrating these technologies into routine care and continuing education opportunities to help shift toward contemporary care delivery models.

References

Kruse, C. S., Krowski, N., Rodriguez, B., Tran, L., Vela, J., & Brooks, M. (2021). Telehealth and patient satisfaction: A systematic review and narrative analysis. BMJ Open, 11(8), e045104. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045104

Morris, M. E., Adair, B., Miller, K., Ozanne, E., Hansen, R., Pearce, A. J., Santamaria, N., & Said, C. M. (2020). Smart technologies to enhance social connectedness in older people who live at home. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 39(1), e36-e42. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12794